SAG, AFTRA contract wins 96% support

Members of the Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television & Radio Artists have approved a new three-year industrial/education/non-broadcast contract.

Of the 22% of all eligible members who voted, an overwhelming 96% (19,783) favored thecontract.

Four percent (872) voted against it. Ballots had to be returned by April 21 .

The contract with producers, which becomes effective May 1, 1993, provides a 9% increase in minimum wages for principal performers over the next three years. The first raise, on May 1, will be 4.5%, followed by another 4.5% increase on Nov. 1, 1994.

There also will be increases in producer contributions to the AFTRA health plan and the SAG training and education fund, improved affirmative-action language, increased meal allowances and the establishment of dancers as principal performers.

In return, the unions agreed to a restricted half-day rate, which will allow professional performers additional work in an expanding field and makes allowances for the economic realities of lower-budget informational films, videos and audio programs.